Chapter 9
The reason we picked Paris as our escape destination was that it had two distinct advantages over any other European capital. First, the exchange rate was very favorable, enabling us who might literally be starving anywhere else to eke out a decent living. Second, was that the world’s most fascinating people resided in 60’s Paris. These intellectuals, artists and writers had come from many corners of the world to make a home in France, and the effect of so much concentrated energy and talent could not be ignored.
Throughout Mark’s life, he looked down on amateurs, whether in sport or business. Thus, he never wanted to be mistaken for just another tourist. Everything he learned about the city, its places and its history was incorporated into his persona. When meeting people or c
